Playgroup rated 'satisfactory' by Ofsted

Alison Weaver visited Stone Cross Pre-School Playgroup at the Memorial Hall, Dittons Road, Stone Cross, on May 22.

More than 40 toddlers go to the group which was founded in 1952.

In a report, Inspector Weaver said: 'The children are secure, confident and happy.

'They show an interest in new focus activities and soon ask to join in.

'Children play well on their own and with others.'

A new six-member staff team are employed at the playgroup.

Five have early years qualifications and another is working towards it.

The inspector reported staff followed a 'balanced' curriculum in all areas of learning.

Activities were organised 'effectively' through focus activity plans and progress was recorded.

Records were not 'generally' used to challenge individual children, according to the inspector.

But individuals were supported through a keyworker system

The inspector said: 'Staff generally interact well with children.

'Children enjoy coming to the group as staff create a warm and friendly environment for them

'They use open-ended questions to encourage children to extend their thinking and express their ideas.

'Staff allow children the opportunity to solve problems for themselves by not stepping in too quickly to give support.'

Toddlers enjoyed activities such as growing plants, music, drama, reading books, painting and counting numbers.

The inspector said different festivals such as the Hindu festival Divali were celebrated.

She also said staff respected the wishes of parents with regard to language and religion.

Health and safety requirements were satisfactory and reviewed daily.

The children helped prepare healthy snacks such as fruit kebabs.

Staff did not always sit with children to discuss what was good to eat, the inspector said.

Inspector Weaver recommended changing staff deployment. This would allow staff to interact with the children 'at all times.'

Suggestions were also given about use of space in the hall and garden, and using records to 'inform future planning'.

'¢ OFSTED rates over four categories. The highest is outstanding through to good, satisfactory and inadequate.